How regular bra fittings can help you check for breast cancer

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07/13/23

Bra fittings are about more than just comfort....
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Metro
2022-09-02T14:23:09Z
And we’re not talking once in a blue moon, either.
‘Many women, for example, find their breasts naturally become swollen, tender and even lumpy in the week or so leading up to their period.’
More than simply helping you to feel comfortable, regular bra fittings are a good way to ensure you’re wearing the correctly fitted bra, which, she adds, can help to avoid health problems like poor posture and back and chest pain.
More vitally, though, going for regular bra fittings can help you to check for signs of breast cancer.
‘Knowing how your breasts should look and feel normally can help to alert you to any unusual changes that may be a symptom of breast cancer,’ says Dr Bryony.
‘Ideally, you should check your breasts once a month on the same day, a few days after your period,’ she adds, given that, as mentioned earlier, your breasts are likely to change naturally the week before your period.
‘If you’re postmenopausal, you should be checking your breasts for lumps on the same day every month,’ she adds.
Regularly checking your breasts is all about getting acquainted with their usual look and feel: ‘It’s perfectly normal, for example, to have one breast that’s slightly bigger than the other,’ says Dr Bryony.
Most women have slightly asymmetrical breasts, but when checking for changes, it’s important to look for anything that is out of the ordinary for you specifically.
According to Dr Bryony, ‘this means any changes and symptoms that weren’t there before.’
Regular bra fittings then, are a great supplement to the monthly habit of checking for lumps, as they could help to alert you to any abnormal changes.
‘For example, if you suddenly develop asymmetry that means your usual cup size no longer fits both breasts,’ says Dr Bryony.
If you do find a breast lump, or notice any other signs, she stresses that it is paramount to see your doctor as soon as possible.
‘Try not to panic, as the vast majority of lumps are benign and there may be other reasons for them,’ she says.
‘Also, lumps that hurt are usually not cancerous but hormonal.
‘Your GP will examine you and refer you for further tests if required.’